Radiologists would be encouraged to provide patients more extensive breast cancer screening results under a bill passed Tuesday by the Utah Senate.

SB32 would encourage radiologists to include information about a woman’s breast density on the report they receive following a mammogram. Right now, the results only tell women cancer was detected during the test. But mammograms also detect dense tissue. Mammograms aren’t as effective in detecting cancers in women who have such tissue so they would be made aware to consult with their physicians whether they require followup tests.

Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Lehi, said while his mother and mother-in-law are both breast cancer survivors and women need this information to make better decisions about managing their health care, he questioned whether a recommendation to health care providers belonged in the Utah Code.
The code should be filled with matters of law, not recommendations.
“I think it’s a dangerous precedent. The code would simply explode if every good idea would find its way into our laws,” Madsen said.
“I can’t be a part of trending that direction.”
Madsen and Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, also voted against the bill, citing the same concerns. Waddoups said he would prefer that that language be part of a resolution rather than “end up with another new volume in the code.”
The bill passed the Senate on a 22-5 vote and moves to the House for its consideration.